Hello, My Name Is: Aanjes Hershfield

Are you ready to meet another neighbor? This series allows you to get to know the folks living here on Cape Cod by asking them a few fun questions. If you are enjoying the series, please let us know! In the meantime, pour yourself a cup of coffee, or even a glass of wine, pull up a seat and let’s get to know an incredibly interesting woman from Falmouth!

Aanjes Hershfield

Name: Aanjes Hershfield (aka: Pepper Grinds)

Occupation:

Leader and Artistic Director and Performer of Brazen Belles Burlesque Troupe, Owner of Devour Restaurant on Main St, Falmouth (opening this summer)… and Mom.

 

What was your first paying job?

Off the Books: Performing roller skating routines for 50 cents a person to neighborhood kids with my best friend Nicki. On the Books: I was a busser at the old Food for Thought when I was 14.

 

When was the last time you laughed really hard?

I laugh really hard a lot. I am blessed to have an amazing and very silly husband and 6 year old daughter as well as a burlesque troupe filled with hilarious women!

 

Did you grow up on the Cape? 

I grew up between Woods Hole and Bequia (a small island part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines located in the eastern Caribbean). I travelled back and forth until I was 12. After graduating from Falmouth High School, I left for 13 years, visiting in the summer. My husband and I have been on Cape full time now for 7 ½ years and there is no place I’d rather be!!

 

Where is your ‘go-to’ spot for a scoop of ice cream?

I’m actually not a big ice cream fan! But if I’m craving a cone I’ll go to Ben and Bills in Falmouth!

Do you have a favorite non-profit group here on the Cape?

My favorite nonprofit is the We Can organization. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Cape women through mentoring, information, education, networking and support. I love that they are a one stop shop offering help to women in all different situations.

 

What is the one thing you love to do that surprises people the most

I’m not sure there is much I can do that would surprise anyone…..I’m such an open book!

When people don’t know me well they are surprised that I am a burlesque performer.  I think that’s because most of Cape Cod isn’t well versed in the ‘Art of the Tease’. I’m working hard every day, with the help of my Burlesque Troupe. The Brazen Belles, to change that!

“Pepper Grinds” of The Brazen Belles, Photo by Joe Navas

In a parallel universe, what would you be doing?

In a parallel universe I would be doing exactly what I’m doing now… but on a bigger scale. I would own my own performance/music venue where all my burlesque friends near and far could perform. This would be a place where I could bring in incredible musicians and comedians… Where you can be served delicious food and craft cocktails. This is my ultimate dream and I hope to actually achieve that one day!

Aanjes’ Mom

What person had the greatest influence on you and why?

That would be my mother. She is the most loving, kind, accepting and fierce woman I know. She has taught me to fight for what I believe in, to work hard and to always be proud and not diminish my accomplishments. To be kind to ourselves and to others and to laugh!!!!

 

If I looked in your refrigerator right now, what would I see?

Fresh squeezed Natalie’s orange juice, passion fruit juice, soda water, yogurt, polenta, pickles, hummus, salami, and whole lot of veggies!

If you could go out on a boat fishing for a day, who would you bring ?

John Leguizamo! Not only is he my celebrity crush he is just the most amazing performer and comedian! I’ve been a huge fan since I was 16 and my love and appreciation for him has never wavered!! I think he’d be there perfect fishing buddy… neither of us would know what we were doing but we would laugh a lot!

If you are curious about Aanjes burlesque dance troupe or their performance schedule, you can visit Brazen Belles online.

We are always looking for new people to feature in “Hello, My Name Is…”. If you know an interesting member of the Cape community, please send us their name: [email protected]. When possible, please include their contact information and a little about them.
Thank you!

Want to meet a few other folks? Click here:

Freeman Johnson, WWII Navy Veteran 

Brian Sances, Cape Musician

Brian Morrison, Barnstable Police Department 

Amanda Braga-Tipton, Chaplain Candidate United States Army

Betsy Siggins, Founder of New England Folk Alliance

Tracy Post, Town of Yarmouth Selectman

Michelle Law, Cotuit Center For The Arts

Timothy Whelan, State Representative, First Barnstable District and Ret. Massachusetts State Police

Emma Dubner, Registered Nurse, Musician (The Ticks), Music Teacher, Junior Roller Derby Coach and Mom

About Cat Wilson

Cat Wilson is "That Girl" on Cape Country 104 – a Cape Cod native and longtime Cape radio personality. She is a passionate supporter of Military and Veteran causes on the Cape and also hosts local music spotlight program, “The Cheap Seats” on Ocean 104.7.



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